With its lush evergreen foliage and vibrant golden blooms, Aaron’s beard (Hypericum calycinum) brings a pop of color to gardens This carefree plant is easy to grow, but providing the right care will keep your Aaron’s beard healthy and encourage the most prolific flowering Read on for a complete guide to successfully growing this eye-catching plant.
Choosing the Best Site
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Sunlight: Aaron’s beard thrives in full sun to partial shade. At least 4-6 hours of direct sun is ideal, especially to maximize blooms. Too much shade results in sparse flowers.
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Soil: Aaron’s beard is adaptable to most well-draining soils. It tolerates sandy, clay, loam, and acidic or alkaline soils. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
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Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones. Prefers warm summers.
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Space: Allow 1-3 feet between plants depending on variety. Aaron’s beard spreads 12-24 inches wide. Site away from paths or lawn.
Planting Aaron’s Beard
Spring and fall are ideal planting times. Follow these tips:
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Amend soil with compost or mulch to improve nutrition and drainage.
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Dig a hole 2x as wide and deep as the root ball Place the plant at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot
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Backfill the hole and water thoroughly after planting.
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Space 1-3 feet apart depending on mature spread Plant in groups or sweeps for best effect
Watering Needs
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Young plants need regular watering until established. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Mature Aaron’s beard is quite drought tolerant but blooms best with moderate moisture.
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In dry weather, water thoroughly 1-2 times per week. More often in extreme heat.
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Avoid frequent shallow watering. Soak the entire root zone instead.
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Drooping leaves indicate under watering. Water immediately if soil is dry below the surface.
Nutrition and Fertilizer
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Loamy, compost-rich soil provides the best nutrition but fertilizer will encourage abundant blooms.
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In early spring, apply a balanced organic or slow release fertilizer. Look for a 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 formula.
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When in active growth, liquid fertilizer or compost tea every 4-6 weeks keeps Aaron’s beard vigorous.
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Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which cause leggy growth. Follow package rates.
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Too much fertilizer can burn the roots. Never fertilize late in summer.
Pruning Aaron’s Beard
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Prune right after flowering ceases in mid to late summer.
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Remove spent flower stems down to healthy buds or leaves.
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Shape and thin as needed to improve form and air circulation.
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Hard pruning every 2-3 years rejuvenates old plants. Cut back by 1/3 to 1/2 of height.
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Disinfect pruning tools between cuts to prevent disease spread.
Pest and Disease Prevention
Aaron’s beard is relatively pest and disease free, but watch for:
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Rust fungus causes yellow leaf spots. Improve air flow. Remove affected leaves promptly.
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Root rot from too much moisture. Allow soil to partly dry between waterings.
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Spider mites cause stippling damage in dry air. Mist plants regularly or use insecticidal soap.
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Scale insects on stems. Control with horticultural oil or alcohol swabs.
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Deer or rabbits browsing on foliage. Use fencing or repellents as needed.
Getting the Most Blooms from Aaron’s Beard
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Choose a site with full sun to maximize flowers. At least 4 hours of direct sun is best.
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Fertilize in early spring and mid summer to nourish the plant for the most prolific flowering.
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Prune immediately after blooming finishes to encourage new growth and flower buds.
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Water regularly, allowing the soil to partially dry between thorough waterings.
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Divide congested plants every 2-3 years. Replant divisions to rejuvenate and expand plantings.
Overwintering Aaron’s Beard
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Aaron’s beard dies back completely in zones 5-6. Cut back stems but leave root system intact.
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Where hardy, foliage remains evergreen. Avoid late season fertilizer and pruning.
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Mulch around plants to insulate roots from temperature swings. Remove in spring.
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Protect from harsh winds. Burlap screens help shield plants in exposed areas.
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Avoid winter pruning. Wait until new growth appears in spring.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Follow these tips to prevent issues with your Aaron’s beard:
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Sparse blooms: Increase sunlight. Fertilize in early spring. Prune right after flowering.
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Leaf scorch: Move plant to a shadier spot or provide shade in afternoon.
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Rust: Improve air circulation. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Use fungicides as a last resort.
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Root rot: Improve drainage. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Test soil moisture before watering.
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Leggy growth: Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer and too much shade. Prune as needed.
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Dieback: Protect from winter winds. Avoid late season pruning. Apply winter mulch in cold climates.
Propagating More Aaron’s Beard Plants
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Stem cuttings – Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in early summer. Dip in rooting hormone and pot up in soil. Keep moist until rooted.
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Division – Dig up congested plants in early spring. Gently pry root ball apart with pruners. Replant divisions 12-24 inches apart.
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Seed – Collect seed pods in fall after flowering. Sow seeds indoors. Takes 1-2 months to germinate at 60-70°F.
The Cheerful Charm of Aaron’s Beard
With bright flowers held atop lush green foliage, Aaron’s beard brings a pop of color and texture to gardens and landscape borders. Provide this carefree plant with well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and moderate water and it will reward you with an abundance of blooms through the season. Follow these tips and enjoy this low maintenance beauty for years to come.
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Hypericum Growing Guide (St. John’s Wort) by GardenersHQ
FAQ
Is Aaron’s beard invasive?
How to care for an old man’s beard plant?
Is Aaron’s Beard the same as St John’s Wort?
Is St. John’s Wort a good ground cover?
How do you care for Aaron’s Beard?
You can check the moisture of the soil by digging a trowel or your finger in the soil. If the first 2-4 inches are dry, you can start watering your plant. In the case of Aaron’s beard, the best watering tool to use is a soaker hose, so you can reduce water loss, while still being able to water your plant deeply.
Do Aaron’s beards need a lot of maintenance?
As you can see, Aaron’s beard is not a fussy plant and it requires really low maintenance after you plant it. They enjoy a broad range of soils, so all you need to do is to make sure you water the soil according to the soil type.
Is Aaron’s Beard a perennial?
The perennial plant is great as ground cover and can reach 24 inches in height. Let’s look at Aaron’s Beard plant care. Hypericum calycinum is known as the Rose of Sharon and hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. Dark green oval leaves give way to an abundance of bright yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall.
How do you propagate Aaron’s Beard?
Aaron’s Beard can also be propagated through division, which is best done in early spring and as the plant awakes from dormancy. Dig it up, then divide the root ball equally and enough to fill a small pot. Add some soil and place in light shade, and water only when the top inch of the soil is dry.